Key facts
- Bhoothathankettu is a dam and picnic spot near Pindimana village, about 10 km from Kothamangalam and about 50 km from Kochi city.
- The name Bhoothathankettu means roughly “the demon’s dam”, from a legend about the natural rock barrier across the Periyar; a modern dam now impounds the Bhoothathankettu (Thattekkad) reservoir.
- Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, covers about 25 sq km of lowland forest on the Periyar and was Kerala’s first bird sanctuary.
- Ornithologist Salim Ali described the Thattekkad area as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India.
- Kothamangalam, the gateway town for both places, is reached from Kalamassery via Aluva and Perumbavoor.
Two places, one trip
Bhoothathankettu is a dam with a story. Long before the concrete, a line of huge rough boulders blocked part of the Periyar here; local legend said a bhootham — a demon or spirit — had piled them up to flood a temple downstream, and was stopped at daybreak. The modern dam built nearby for irrigation holds back a long reservoir, and the area around the old and new dams has become a picnic and walking spot, with a short forest trail to the old rock barrier.
Thattekkad begins where that reservoir spreads into the forest. The sanctuary covers about 25 sq km of moist lowland forest on the Periyar and carries the name of India’s best-known ornithologist, Salim Ali, who surveyed the area and called it the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. It was Kerala’s first bird sanctuary.
Getting there
- Kalamassery to Aluva by metro or bus.
- Aluva to Perumbavoor, then on to Kothamangalam — there are direct buses from Aluva towards Kothamangalam and Munnar. Allow about an hour and a half from Kalamassery, more in traffic.
- Kothamangalam to Bhoothathankettu or Thattekkad by local bus or auto. Bhoothathankettu is about 10 km from Kothamangalam; Thattekkad is about 12 km. Ask at the Kothamangalam stand which buses go which way.
In total you are looking at roughly 55–60 km each way — check the route on your phone. By two-wheeler the run via Perumbavoor is straightforward, but read living with a two-wheeler on rain and night riding first. The bus routes guide explains how to find the right stand at Aluva.
Planning the day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Leave by 6:00–6:30 | Earliest bus towards Kothamangalam |
| Morning | Thattekkad: birds are most active in the first hours of daylight |
| Late morning | Breakfast or tea in Kothamangalam or near the sanctuary |
| Midday | Bhoothathankettu: dam view, forest walk to the old rock dam |
| Afternoon | Head back before evening traffic on the Aluva side |
- Entry fees, boating and guided walks at both places are run by the forest and tourism authorities and change from time to time — check at the counter.
- Birding: if you are serious, hire a local guide. Thattekkad is known among birdwatchers for forest species that are hard to see elsewhere; a guide knows where to look.
- Clothing: dull colours, closed shoes, something for leeches in the rainy months.
- Plastic: forest areas in Kerala restrict single-use plastics; carry a steel or reusable bottle.
Safety on the water
The reservoir and the river below the dam look tempting on a hot day. Do not swim, and keep away from the water’s edge near the dam — water levels change with releases, and drownings on the Periyar in this area are reported in the news. Use only authorised boats with life jackets. In the monsoon, check before leaving whether any area is closed; see monsoon living tips.
If you are new to birdwatching
You do not need expensive kit to enjoy Thattekkad. A cheap pair of binoculars — or even a friend’s — makes a large difference, and a free bird-identification app on your phone helps you put names to what you see. Walk slowly, talk quietly and stop often; most birds are heard before they are seen.
Many hostel residents who try it once find a regular hobby: the wetlands and campuses closer to home, including Mangalavanam in the city, are good practice on a free evening. Keep a simple list of what you see on each trip; it is surprising how quickly it grows.
A cheap base for green weekends
If you like trips like this, Kalamassery is a sensible base: it is on the northern side of Kochi, so you reach the Aluva–Perumbavoor road without crossing the city. Ashraf Gents Hostel is at Ashraf house, NAD Road, by the signal in Kalamassery — a men-only hostel and PG for students, staff and working men. Its public profile gives an indicative rate of about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, with a month’s advance, confirmed on the call (+91 90746 23855). Look at the rooms on the home page first.
For a shorter river outing closer to home, see Periyar riverside evenings, and for the full list, day trips from Kalamassery.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Thattekkad from Kalamassery?
Go to Aluva, take a bus to Kothamangalam via Perumbavoor, then a local bus or auto about 12 km to Thattekkad. Start early; the whole trip is roughly 55–60 km each way.
Can I see Bhoothathankettu and Thattekkad on the same day?
Yes. They are close to each other near Kothamangalam. Do Thattekkad in the early morning for birds and Bhoothathankettu later in the day.
What does Bhoothathankettu mean?
Roughly “the demon’s dam”. Legend says a bhootham piled up the boulders that once blocked part of the Periyar here.
Is swimming allowed at Bhoothathankettu?
You should not swim there. Water levels change with dam releases and the river is deep and fast; use only authorised boats with life jackets.
Related guides
Sources
- Wikipedia: Bhoothathankettu
- Wikipedia: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Outlook Traveller: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Kuttampuzha Grama Panchayat: tourism
Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed . How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.